Daniel James has emerged as a principal target for Leeds United as Marcelo Bielsa is said to be an admirer of the 21-year-old winger. Latest reports from the Mirror confirms that the Whites are hopeful of landing him in the next few days. The club is yet to agree on a fee with Swansea City, but they are working hard on getting a deal done. Reports add that the club have been in lengthy talks with the Welsh outfit for quite some time.
Not too long ago, reports from the Sun came out that the West Yorkshire outfit had put in a bid worth £10m (£6m upfront and £4m in promotion and incentive-based add-ons). Swansea had apparently slapped a price tag of £12m (Wales Online) for the Wales international.
Graham Potter too was recently asked about the chance of the player leaving, and he maintained that it was a possibility. Therefore it is clear that United are on the right path to landing him. It is believed that Leeds United’s Director Of Football Victor Orta had drawn up a list of possible wingers that the club could target and Bielsa had himself handpicked James from the lot and the gaffer believes that the young winger can boost their title push.
United have maintained their supremacy on the top of the table even with the major injury crisis. Various players have been playing out of position and currently, wingers like Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez are filling in as a left back and as an attacking midfielder respectively.
That has resulted in two youngsters occupying the wide areas. Jack Clarke has been more or less impressive, but Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison has struggled to get going and is only making it to the starting eleven because the manager doesn’t have any options.
James would add the much-needed depth and competition for places, and the club could do with a winger like him. His numbers aren’t much to talk about as he has one goal and four assists so far this season, but Bielsa definitely considers him as a significant talent.
As for the price, it is going to raise eyebrows. However, it is clear that the board is trusting the veteran manager’s judgement here and Bielsa certainly sees something special in him. The winger has an impressive work rate and should suit United’s style of play. With time running out, both the parties need to agree on a price soon but as of now, the Whites appear confident of pulling off a deal before the deadline.
